The San Pedro Sun

Belizeans Honoured by the QueenFive distinguished Belizeans were honoured for their dedicated and outstanding services to their community. The presentations took place today at the Belize House in the City of Belmopan. The insignias were presented by the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. Receiving the insignia for Commander of the British Empire Award was Dr. Ellsworth Grant, for his contribution to Medicine. Mr. Patrick Andrews and Mr. Stephen Duncan received the insignia as Members of the British Empire for their contribution to Community and Banking. Mrs. Crystal Vernon received the insignia as Member of the British Empire for her contributions to Community Service; and Mr. Francisco Woods received the insignia as Member of the British Empire for his contributions to Community and Business.

Ted W. Cox talks about his new book: When British Honduras Became BelizeEx Peace Corps Volunteer, 67-year-old Ted W. Cox has written a book on his experiences while serving in Belize. The book, titled “When British Honduras Became Belize: A Peace Corps Memoir 1971-1973”, explains the inception and development of Track and Field in Belize. Cox is officially presenting the book through a countrywide tour hosted by the Belize National Library and the Institute for Social and Cultural Research. As part of the tour, Cox visited San Pedro on Tuesday, October 14th.

Ambergris Today

Eric Garcia Still Missing at SeaSadly, the rescue mission for missing person 21-year-old Eric Garcia has been changed to a recovery mission and divers are searching today for his body in the general area that his canoe capsized and he went missing. Yesterday, divers found his pants and a rag by the reef channel; volunteer divers are being called out to assist in the search.

Belize and Guatemala Strengthen Cooperation in Combating Illegal Activities & CrimeEach security agency had an opportunity to meet directly with their Guatemalan counterparts and agreed on a way forward for direct collaboration in respect of all security concerns, including coordinated operations among security agencies to combat illegal activities and transnational crime. In this respect, Guatemala reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate and assist in the investigation of the most recent incidents.
The conclusions reached at the meeting of the Joint Commission were endorsed by CEO Alexis Rosado; H.E. Carlos Raul Morales, Foreign Minister of Guatemala; and witnessed by H.E. Raul Lago, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Organization of American States.

$27 Million Worth of Marijuana Destroyed by U.S. Army and Belize Defense ForceFrom September 29 to October 3, 2014, U.S. Army aircraft from the Joint Task Force Bravo based in Soto Cano, Honduras provided airlift support to the Belize Defense Forces, Belize Coast Guard, Anti-Drug Unit and Mobile Interdiction Team as they conducted marijuana field eradication operations throughout Belize.
With the help of two UH-60 Blackhawks and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter members of the Belize military and police forces were able to destroy over 52,800 marijuana plants, 10 pounds of seeds and 1000 pounds of processed marijuana with a total estimated U.S. street value over $27 million.

Misc Belizean Sources

Belizeans Honoured by the QueenFive distinguished Belizeans were honoured for their dedicated and outstanding services to their community. The presentations took place today at the Belize House in the City of Belmopan. The insignias were presented by the Governor General of Belize H.E. Sir Colville Young on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen. (7 photos)

Chiquibul Protection Telethon on Saturday October 18thThe mighty Chiquibul has been under threat for countless years. Flooding from hydro electric dams, illegal logging, farming, wildlife poaching, and gold mining have all ravaged this precious forest. More than 40% of Belize's fresh water source comes from the Chiquibul. The local Scarlet Macaws struggle to survive in this last stronghold for their population. YOU can help save the Chiquibul by supporting Friends for Conservation and Development - FCD Belize's Chiquibul Protection Telethon on Saturday October 18th. It will be happening live at Memorial Park in Belize City from 10AM-6PM, and the option to donate online will be made available on www.fcdbelize.org. All proceeds will support FCD's Park Rangers Program to ensure more boots are on the ground in the Chiquibul Forest to protect it from invaders. This is our natural heritage, our vital resources. The Chiquibul is for Belize!

Channel 7

PUP Goes To Chiquibul, Lays Out 9 Point PlanEver since the shooting death of Danny Conorquie on September 26th., the Caracol site has been closed to visitors – but special provision was made for the Leader of the Opposition and his Deputy Leader to go there on Sunday. They were escorted principally by the Friends For Conservation and Development plus a security cordon. They came back with a 9 point list of security suggestions which was presented to the media at a press conference today:
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of The Opposition
"It is not a political issue, the PUP have come to the Belizean people with this issue, not only because we have a duty and obligation to do so. But also because regrettably, the UDP government has consistently expressed and displayed a reluctance to work with the opposition or anyone else on any issue of national importance Government must convene and urgent meeting of all relevant stakeholders, inclusive of government, opposition, friends for conservation and development, tour guides association, BTB, NICH, forestry, the ministry of natural resources and our security forces, the BDF and Belize police department."
That urgent security meeting was only one of 9 which were presented today. But, we had to ask, does the Opposition have a deep enough understanding of the many issues to make those proposals. Here’s how that exchange went:…

Bze & Guat Security Chiefs Meet, Discuss ConorquieAnd while the opposition leadership was in Chiquibul, Senator Lisa Shoman was the opposition representative on the Belize Guatemala Joint Commission when they met on Friday in Guatemala City. The commission meets regularly in Belize and Guatemala on a rotation basis. The last time they met, the meeting had to be aborted because a Guatemalan civilian had been killed by a BDF soldier. This time, the meeting came right after what is believed to be a Guatemalan civilian killed a Belizean special constable. Shoman told us about the tone of the meeting:
Lisa Shoman, Senator
"On friday there was a very hard hitting, hard charging, important meeting between the security forces in Belize. The persons who were there were head of the BDF, general Jones. The acting commissioner of police Russell Blackett and Mr. Marco Vidal, assistant commissioner who is in charge of intelligence and special branch and they met with their counterparts in Guatemala.

Hon. Shoman Questions GSU CommanderSenator Shoman was also able to comment on a subject of public interest. She spoke about the claim made by Inspector Mark Flowers, commander of the GSU – who said that the Ombudsman’s report has a different account of Allan McCoy’s run in with the GSU – different from the one he gave to the media. Well, Senator Shoman had something to say about that since she accompanied Mccoy to the Ombudsman;s office. She told us what she knows of that report and what Mccoy told the Ombudsman about Flowers:…
Lisa Shoman, Senator
"My emphatic recollection is that McCoy gave a full accounting of what had transpired between himself and the GSU boss, inspector Mark Flowers. It isn't only as Mr. Flowers is saying, claiming that they report to the ombudsman only mentioned his presences. In fact my recollection is that mr. McCoy gave a full statement with regard to what he alleged had been done to him by inspector Mark Flowers."
Jules Vasquez
"So then, where is the evocation or the lack of decision or the inaccuracy enter the equation?"

Quick Arrest For Cayo MurderOn last night's newscast, we told you about the murder in Unitedville, Cayo of 21 year-old Kevin Taylor Jr. Well, police have made quick arrests in that case, and the men who now stand accused of that crime are Cayo Residents 25 year-old Brian Belle and 32 year-old Tyrone Gongora Rushford.
These men were among those who were detained shortly after Taylor was stabbed and killed, and after gathering their evidence, police say that Belle and Gongora-Rushford are the men who attacked him. They will be arraigned and remanded at the earliest convenience.
As we told you, on last Friday night, at around 9:30 p.m., Taylor was involved in a fight with 2 men in front of a shop within the village. During that altercation, the men stabbed Taylor in the back and the chest, and after he was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital, he died shortly after.

Minors Charged For Damaging Compol's VehicleA fight which broke out on Pelican Street has left Police Commissioner Allen Whylie's vehicle damaged, and it has landed 4 young men before the court.
The fight happened on last week Friday, not too far from the Commissioner's home broke out which 22 year-old Kenroy Willoughby two 15 year-old minors and a 14 year-old minor began stoning each other. The problem is that while they were having their brawl, a few of the stones ended up hitting the Commissioner's Government Issue Toyota Hilux Vehicle. He assessed the damages, and it was estimated that it would cost $1,408 to fix it.
Police have since arrested and charged all 4 men with damage to property, and today, they were all arraigned in Magistrate's Court. That's excluding Kenroy Willoughby, who sent doctor papers to the court to prove that he was ill.

Climate Change And Its Effects On TourismAs we told you last night, The Belmopan based Caribbean Community Climate Change Center took center stage in Bridgetown Barbados on Monday night – when it led the presentation of the fifth intergovernmental panel in climate change. The report looks primarily at what are called small island developing states – and how rising sea levels and changes in rainfall patterns will affect them. Barbados was a fitting location because, at only a few hundred square feet, it is one of those small island states – one that depends heavily on its gorgeous beaches for foreign exchange earnings through tourism. How can climate change affect them? We asked their minister of Environment and drainage:..

Ebola Not in GuatemalaThere is a report circulating on the internet – a report which we do not consider to be from a credible news outlet – which says that Ebola has been detected in Guatemala. Again, we stress we do not consider it to be a credible report – but it is out there. The Ministry of Health in Belmopan has heard it and officials there have checked with PAHO, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and the Ministry of Health in Guatemala – who all know of no such infection.
The Leader of the opposition has also heard of the report, and he today issued what he called a word of caution for Belize’s state of readiness:..
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of The Opposition
"I was advised that the Guatemalan government is investigating and preparing for the potential presence of ebola in Guatemala. The Guatemalan government has sent peace keepers to West Africa who has recently returned to Guatemala and we understand that their are some potential risk.

Will Yolanda Run For PUP MayorWho will be the pup’s candidate for Mayor? We’ve been asking for months and now there are pretty solid reports that it will be former Lake I aspirant Yolanda Schakron. Today we asked the Leader of the Opposition – and it seemed to be still inconclusive…
Reporter
"If the PUP formalise a slate for the next municipal election, we understood the Yolanda Schakron cemented her name of the PUP mayoral candidate. Can you confirm?”
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of The Opposition
"As I said at the last question and answer session we had, that we would do that by the end of the end of October and that's the deadline we're sticking to. So we'll announce that the last week of October. Miss Schakron has applied, she has applied as a mayoral candidate."

PUP Frowns On Power Contract For Gaute FirmAnd today the leader of the opposition also expressed concerns about a power contract that a Guatemalan company is applying for. As we have reported the PUC put out a request for power – for which there were a number of proposals – apparently one from a Guatemalan company. And while it’s not like we can just shut down all contact with our neighbors to the west the Leader of the opposition said this one has to be looked at:…
Hon. Francis Fonseca, Leader of The Opposition
"The government of Belize and the public utilities commission is very close to awarding a contract to a Guatemalan company for the production of electrical energy to supply to Belize Electricity Limited. We are sounded the warning that we believe that this contract has to be fully disclosed before it is finalised, so that the Belizean people know exactly who is involved and what if any national security risk arise in the award of such a contract.”

Another A & R Robber19 year-old Joseph Lopez a computer technician from Lavender Street, has been identified another of the men who committed the brazen armed robbery of A&R Store at mile 1 on the Western Highway.
Lopez was arraigned today before the Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith on a single charge of robbery, to which he pleaded not guilty. Because the offence was committed with a firearm, he couldn't be granted bail, and he was remanded to prison until November 26.
He joins Kevin Bodden and security guard Leroy Ciego who were charged before him. Ciego, who was posted at A&R as the security guard on duty, is the man believed to have given the robbers inside information on how to execute the robbery successfully.

PM Inks Rural Development DealPrime Minister Dean Barrow returned to the country yesterday after a trip to Washington DC to meet with the IDB. The Business of his visit was to sign a major rural poverty alleviation initiative. It’s called the National Indicative Program, signed with the European Commission, for the period of 2014 to 2020.
The NIP is valued at 27 million Euro - or 67.5 million Belize dollars, and it is designed to assist the government in alleviating rural poverty in Belize.
The NIP will be beneficial to citizens in the Energy and Health Sector.

US And BDf Destroy Marijuana CropsThe Belizean Law Enforcement and US Military have collaborated once more to destroy $54 Million dollars in marijuana plantations throughout Belize.
The US Military, through Joint Task Force Bravo, which is based in Soto Cano, Honduras, provided airlift support to a joint Belizean team comprising officers from the BDF, Coast Guard, the Anti-Drug Unit, and the Mobile Interdiction Team.
The authorities have not released any details as to where these marijuana plantations are located, but the operation took place between September 29 to October 3 - a 5 day operation, 3 weeks ago.

US Sponsoring "Interoperability" Comm System For Security ForcesIn operations such as that one, highly reliable communication is a key, and one of the challenges that the Belizean law enforcement agencies have is that they do not have a single interconnected system.
The US Government is helping to sponsor such a system, in which the elite teams from the police, coast guard, and the BDF will all be able to coordinate amongst themselves to allow for precision and sharpened logistics.
Yesterday, we asked the Commandant of the Coast Guard about it, and he told us that system's integration is already being set up.
Admiral John Borland - Commandant, Belize Coast Guard
"It is as you say an attempt to deal with all the issues we had with communications, where each branch of the military, meaning the BDF and the coast guard and the police and other agencies that work with us are utilising different communication systems; So there is hardly any compatibility there. The idea is bring us on one mainstream communication system, that is going to enable us to talk to each other in common talk groups. To be able to talk on a needs basis among the security forces and not share information that is not to be shared. Communication security is built in to these features. It's a project under Carsi and therefore it not only extends to the military, but other elements of law enforcements as well as other agencies that support us in what we do."

FCD: Why They Need Your Help6 days ago, the Friends For Conservation and Development launched their telethon drive to generate revenue for their expansion of their rangers program.
As we've told you, the Chiquibul National Park, which the FCD co-manages, is 4 times the size of Barbados, and there is a need for more boots on the ground. There will be 3 new conservation posts - one of which was completed about 3 days ago. That facility, Valentin, has already made the news because earlier in the construction there was an armed incursion of Guatemalan civilians who have threatened to burn it down.
That has placed the challenges that FCD faces in perspective, and with the need for more boots on the ground, the NGO is trying to harness public concern to raise funds.
The Protected Areas Conservation Trust is doing its part: it has earmarked a 600 thousand dollar grant for FCD.

EU Lifts Fisheries BanAfter years of back and forth on the issue – culminating in an international ban and a black eye for Belize, the European Fisheries Commission has decided to lift the fisheries ban on Belize, which will allow high seas vessels with the Belizean flag to export fisheries products to Europe.
As we told you, the EU Commission took the hardline just under a year ago, when they listed Belize as one of the countries not in compliance with the regulations to stop high seas vessels flying the Belizean flag and conducting illegal fishing activities.
This weekend's reversal was well-received by the local NGO community, and also by the Government.

New Books About BelizeAnother book on Belizean History has been added to the vast collection of existing works that celebrate and narrate Belize’s social, cultural and economic shifts since the days of Colonialism.
But American writer Ted Cox takes a turn from the traditional topics discussed in Belizean History by highlighting the history of sports in Belize. His book is entitled “When British Honduras Became Belize: A Peace Corps Memoir: 1971 -1973” and Cox is on a countrywide tour to market his book. Now, history, let alone Belizean History, is a problematic topic and even more so when a non-Belizean is involved. But Cox says he simply wanted to contribute to Belize’s History by documenting his experiences as a peace corps volunteer in Belize.
Ted Cox, Writer
"Years ago when I was in Belize, I just liked taking pictures, I had a darkroom. So I had taken hundreds of pictures and they were pretty much just put in a scrapped book. Also at the time I kept a work log and letters home to my mom, saved all those letters, so I got them back. So all of this stuff is just sitting and I knew about 4 years ago.

The Queen's HonoursToday five Belizeans received the Queen’s honours. The Governor General awarded CBE, or commander of the British Empire honours to the Cancer Center’s Dr. Ellsworth Grant for his contribution to Medicine. Bankers Patrick Andrews and Stephen Duncan received MBE honours or members of the British Empire for their contribution to Community and Banking. There were MBE’s also Crystal Vernon for her contributions to Community Service and Cisco, or Francisco Woods for his contribution to Community and Business.

3 Days Later, No Sight of Eric ‘Bird’ GarciaFriends and family of twenty-one-year-old Eric Garcia continued recovery efforts today off the coast of San Pedro in an attempt to retrieve his body from the Caribbean Sea. Bird, as [...]

Coast Guard Joins ‘Not In My City’ CampaignThe Coast Guard’s duties can be broken down into its military, law enforcement, and humanitarian functions. In fulfilling the law enforcement mandate, the unit has been deployed to assist the [...]

Robert’s Grove Rift Goes to Supreme CourtTwo shareholders of Robert’s Groove of Placencia have been at war over the running of the company. Today, the matter was heard in trial by Supreme Court Judge, Sonja Young. [...]

How to Design Mobile Apps in BelizeAn interactive mobile application workshop will commence this weekend in Belize City. The workshop is the second of its kind being held by Belizean entrepreneur, Tiffany Simpson, who recently returned [...]

CTV3

Corozal North Standard Bearer Celebrates 64th Anniversary Of PUPOn Saturday, the People’s United Party celebrated their 64th anniversary in the village of Patchakan in the Corozal District. Esteemed guests as far as down south were on hand to show their support not only to the PUP but also for standard bearer David Castillo. Reporter Victor Castillo and video journalist Jesus Melgar traveled north and filed the following report.
Shortly after 3pm, the blue machines were in high gear as they passed the main streets of Patchakan village making their way to the central park for the official ceremony of the Peoples United Party’s 64th Anniversary. Standard bearer for the Corozal North constituency, David Castillo told us more about the party’s milestone.

US And GOB To Disrupt Illegal ActivitiesThe combined capabilities of the Belize Defense Force and the United States Army proved key to the success of a marijuana eradication operation between September 29 and October 3rd. A release from the US embassy states that a U.S. Army aircraft from the Joint Task Force Bravo based in Soto Cano, Honduras provided airlift support to the Belize Defense Force, Belize Coast Guard, Anti-Drug Unit and Mobile Interdiction Team as they conducted marijuana field eradication operations throughout Belize. With the help of two UH-60 Blackhawks and one CH-47 Chinook helicopter members of the Belize military and police forces were able to destroy over 52,800 marijuana plants, 10 pounds of seeds and 1000 pounds of processed marijuana with a total estimated U.S. street value over $27 million. This operation was part of a continuing partnership between the United States and Government of Belize to disrupt illegal activities and discourage criminal organizations from operating in Belize.

Roger Anthony Renounces As Alleged Gang LeaderWhile drugs and crime seemingly take over the airwaves, this morning in Belize City, Reputed Gang Member and alleged boss of the Ghost Town Crips, Roger Anthony has apparently had an epiphany and made a huge announcement this morning among police and media personnel. Anthony spoke to the Belize City media this morning at the Racoon Street Police Station where he renounced his throne as “boss” of one of the most feared gangs in the City. With the help from our colleagues at the 7News, Anthony announced that he is leaving his past behind and focusing on positive change.
Roger Anthony – former alleged Gang Leader
“I think it is time for us you know, we as leaders to make a change and to stand up and say to help the police especially the gang suppression unit to stay and stand strong and to work with each leaders of the community so that we can make a change...

Orange Walk Technical High School Bans Styrofoam PlatesEnvironmentally conscious schools are picking up the trend and banning Styrofoam from their premises. Joining the efforts this year is the Orange Walk Technical High School where the administration has not only banned Styrofoam but placed some new rules for lunch break. Our news team visited the school this afternoon to take a look at what their new lunch hour is now like.
Julian Polanco – Principal
“They have their lunch but at the same time they would leave their picnic table it will eventually fly off the table, we have seven hundred and odd students and then it becomes a mes so the care taker would have to do it and throw it in the dump. Dogs were all over and then this is not healthy for the students.”

More Drugs Off The StreetsMore drugs were taken off the streets of Orange Walk after a vehicle checkpoint this past weekend proved successful for custom officials. A report from the police confirm that on Thursday October 9th around 7:30pm, while at a check point at the Douglas Junction on the Philip Goldson Highway they intercepted a black with red stripe Nissan Exterra SUV. Seemingly enroute to Orange Walk from the direction of Corozal, officials saw occupants of the vehicle throw a bag out of the vehicle. Police then went to pick up the item which was a brown and grey Jansport bag. The occupants were informed to pull over but instead sped off, heading in the direction of Orange Walk. The jansport bag was opened and observed inside was a block of green vegetable like substance, wrapped in transparent plastic suspected to be cannabis. Attempts made to located said vehicle and occupants but fruitless.

LOVE FM

European Union and Belize Sign Development CooperationBelize is one of four countries that the European Union has signed onto development cooperation. According to a release, the European Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs signed the national indicative programs this past Friday that seeks to partner with Belize to assist in the policies and strategies in the areas of energy, health and public financial management. The national Indicative Programmes is a critical component when it comes to aid from the European Union. Back in 2013, it was agreed that development cooperation would be channelled to seventy eight African, Caribbean and Pacific countries through the eleventh European Development fund during the period, 2014 – 2020 which carries a sum of 30.5 billion Euros. Belize had prepared a document that defined the strategy and priorities for aid from the European Union which the National Indicative Programme seeks to address.

Security Guard Arraigned for Displaying Gang MembershipTwenty-five year old Vildo Spain, a security guard at Princess Hotel and Casino, was fined five hundred dollars today by Magistrate Herbert Panton after he pled guilty to displaying gang membership. Spain was given until December 15 to pay. If he defaults on payment he will serve six months. The incident occurred around 6:10 p.m. yesterday. The police were on mobile patrol on Complex Avenue when they saw Spain who they said appeared suspicious. They informed Spain that a search would be conducted on his person and when they executed the search they did not find anything incriminating. However, one of the officers saw a tattoo on his left arm which had “30’s”, a symbol that he was a member of the Crips gang. As a result, Spain was arrested and charged.

John Baptist Spared of Minimum Sentence for Attempted BurglaryTwenty-eight year old John Baptist, who was found guilty of attempted burglary today by the Chief Magistrate, Anne Marie Smith, was spared the minimum sentence of 7 years. Because it was his first conviction, Chief Magistrate Smith invoked a proviso and sentenced Baptist to six months. She told Baptist that it was his lucky day. She also found Baptist guilty of going equipped and she fined him five hundred dollars. If he defaults on payment he will serve six months. She dismissed a third charge of damage to property because there was not enough evidence to prove it.

Town Council Looks at Dog SterilizationFor years the conventional way of controlling the population of stray dogs and cats has been eradicating them through poisoning. Though this procedure has been defended by authorities and vets that it’s not as cruel as it seems recently a number of local animal rights defenders have come to these innocent creatures’ aid requesting for alternatives measures to be explored in order to address the socio-health problem. It is with this objective that the Orange Walk Town Council has partnered with CAATS to carry out a first of its kind public and free of cost dog spaying and neutering. Deputy Mayor of Orange Walk Ian Cal says the activity is one that aims at helping pet owners and at the same time controlling the stray dog and cat population.
IAN CAL
“We have a lot of people that are against dog eradication including myself. It is something we do not like to condone but it is an avenue that the council used to take for many years and I think it is about time that we start to look at other avenues.

Ted Cox Launches His Memoirs of a Younger BelizeThe book entitled, “When British Honduras Became Belize, 1971-1973, A Peace Corps Memoir” was officially launched today during a ceremony at the Leo Bradley Library in Belize City. With the support of the National Institute of Culture and History and the Belize National Library Service and Information System, author, Ted Cox, shared that the book looks at both Belizean History during the 1970s and sports at that time.
TED COXTed Cox book
“Years ago when I was in Belize I just liked taking pictures, I had a dark room, so I had taken hundreds of pictures and they were pretty much just put in a scrap book. Also at the time I kept logs of my work and letters home; my mom saved those letters; so, I got them back and all of this stuff was just sitting and I knew about four years ago if I didn’t do something with it in another 10 to 15 years I would be too old to really deal with it and it would be lost.

British Empire Awards Bestowed on Five BelizeansFive Belizeans were honoured today for their dedicated and outstanding services to their community. Governor General of Belize Sir Colville Young presented the fiver honorees with insignias. Receiving the insignia for Commander of the British Empire Award was Dr. Ellsworth Grant, for his contribution to Medicine. Patrick Andrews and Stephen Duncan received the insignia as Members of the British Empire for their contribution to Community and Banking. Crystal Vernon received the insignia as Member of the British Empire for her contributions to Community Service; and Francisco Woods received the insignia as Member of the British Empire for his contributions to Community and Business. The presentation took place at the Belize House in Belmopan.

PlusTV

Ebola UpdateSpeaking of Ebola, the reports coming out of the United States are causing panic in that country and understandably, concern in Belize.
The Ebola patient who died in a Dallas hospital had infected two health workers, and reports are that the latest patient was on an airline with over 100 persons just the day before she tested positive for the deadly disease.
Ebola is a highly infectious disease that is transmitted through contact with infected persons. The Ebola virus causes high fever and bleeding inside and outside the body. As the virus spreads through the body, it damages the immune system and organs. Ultimately, it causes levels of blood-clotting cells to drop which leads to severe, uncontrollable bleeding. The disease, also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever or Ebola virus, kills up to 90% of people who are infected.

First-time offender spared over burglary chargeHe could have faced as much as seven years in prison at minimum for attempted burglary, but on Wednesday Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith handed down a comparatively lighter sentence to 28 year old John Baptist, after convicting him of attempted burglary and going equipped for crime, his first offences.
John Baptist will serve six months imprisonment on the burglary charge, and a further six months if he defaults on payment of a $500 fine on the going equipped charge. A charge of damage to property was dismissed for lack of proof.
John Baptist is accused of breaking into the home of Ladyville high school teacher Esther McCord, around 7:15 in the morning of February 26, 2014, at Mile 11 on the Old Northern Road.

Security guard pleaded guilty to gang membershipA security guard for the largest hotel in Belize is in hot water, after pleading guilty to displaying signs of membership in a gang.
25 year old Vildo Spain, who works for Ramada Princess Belize City Hotel, was found acting suspiciously by police on mobile patrol on Complex Avenue around 6:10 p.m. Tuesday evening. Mr Spain was stopped and searched, and while there was nothing incriminating found on him, one of the officers noticed a tattoo on his left arm reading “30′s”, symbol for the Crips gang. Vildo Spain was arrested and charged, but instead of sending him directly to jail, Magistrate Herbert Panton issued a fine of $500, which must be paid by December 15, in default six months in prison.

Admiral Borland says new system will secure inter-agency communicationsThe issue of National Security has been brought into sharper focus of late, and the United States is donating communication mechanisms to the Ministry of National Security, to enable a more efficient means of communication between the different arms of the Ministry. It is a widely debated and controversial topic of whether the United States of America is indeed eavesdropping on their allies, including Belize.
On Tuesday we raised the matter to Commandant of the Belize Coast Guard, who told us the main focus of this project is to make communication between the different security agencies of Belize safer from unwanted eavesdroppers, and not the other way around.
Admiral John Borland – BCG Commandant
“Each branch of the military, meaning the BDF and the Coast Guard, and the law enforcement, meaning the police, and other agencies that work with us, are utilising different communication systems. So there is hardly any compatibility.
The idea here is to bring us on one mainstream communications system, that will enable us to talk to each other, in common talk groups, to be able to talk on a needs basis among the security forces, and not share information that is not needed to be shared.

18 year old raped by two men in LadyvilleAn 18-year-old student of Belize City reported that on Saturday October 11th, at about 11:00p.m., she was invited by two men to a party in Ladyville, to which she agreed.
They arrived at the house of one of the men, which is located in Ladyville, where they started drinking alcoholic beverages.
She stated she got intoxicated and the man took her into his bedroom to lie down, and she passed out.
A few minutes later she woke up and realized that the man was having sex with her against her will. Then the other man reportedly also had sex with her against her will.

6 year old dies in Spanish Lookout accidentA 6 year old drowned in Spanish Lookout on Monday October 13. 35-year-old Walter Penner of Spanish Lookout reported that around 4:00 p.m., he and his four sons including 6-year-old Elam Penner, left his home driving a toe-head to deliver corn in Spanish Lookout.
He stated that he parked the trailer on top of the pit and went outside to open the holes that the trailer has underneath. He further stated that he went and unloaded the corn, and when he had already opened seven holes and went to open another hole, he heard a cry and noticed his 6-year-old son had fallen into the pit.
He shouted for help, where a man came and assisted him and took out his son from inside the pit, and took him to the Belmopan Hospital.

Unitedville family loses everything in House FireA family in Unitedville has lost their entire home and all its content to a fire.
The incident occurred after midnight on Friday October 10.
Suzan and Michael Flowers are the home owners, and they lived at the home with their four children .
Suzanne says the family was asleep in the two bedroom home when at about 11:30 that night, she got up and made checks on the home. All was well and she went back to bed but about half hour later, she woke up abruptly.
Susan Flowers – Fire Victim
“I got up. I walked around in the kitchen. I went to drink some water, played with my phone, send some credits to my husband phone and to my mam and my brother and my dad.
I went in my room. I took my phone with me and I was listening to some music on the headphone. This was like probably 11:30. I fell asleep about a quarter to twelve. I checked on the boys. I do that. Every time I wake up, I will go and check in their room.

Police charge minor for Belize City murderBelize City Police say they have charged a 16 year old male minor of Victoria Street, Belize City, for the weekend murder of 33 year old Salvadoran national, Jose Luis Umana, of a Cards Alley address.
On Saturday night, October 11, according to Police, Jose Umana was found with a gunshot wound to the center of the forehead at the corner of New Road and Hydes Lane, after they received reports of shots fired in the area around 8:58 p.m.
Jose Umana died at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital while in treatment just under an hour later.
On Tuesday, Press Officer Raphael Martinez told reporters that investigations continue into the possible motive for the incident.

Read Admiral John Borland presents plan for Forward Operating Bases14 projects for the Belize Coast Guard, including 9 Forward Operating Bases, are slated for completion before the year 2019. Two of those, the Calabash Caye FOB and the San Pedro FOB have since been completed.
It must be noted that the Calabash Caye base was built by a Belizean contractor in 2009; on the other hand, in 2013 BINARQ, the same Guatemalan company contracted to build the base at Hunting Caye, built the base in San Pedro. But unlike the San Pedro Forward Operating Base where Belizean labourers were being employed, the one at Hunting Caye was being built exclusively by Guatemalans.
This has become sore point for Belizeans, especially after the death of Special Constable Danny Conorquie at the hands of Gautemalan Citizens.

GSU Commander responds to brutality allegationsWhile briefing the press on Tuesday morning, the GSU Commander, Inspector Mark Flowers, spoke out for the first time about several allegations of police brutality in which his name has been called. While they are being investigated by initially the Professional Standards Branch of the Department and eventually the Security Services Commission if approved, Inspector Flowers was intent on clearing his good name and going after his accusers.
He specifically accuses Channel 7 of running a campaign to defame his character, a charge the television station denies.
According to Inspector Flowers, Allan McKoy, who has alleged a brutal assault at the hands of the GSU after being accused of knocking down officer Dejohn Cayetano, has told the Ombudsman’s office that he was not menaced by Inspector Flowers as he originally claimed in press interviews. He offered as proof a statement Allan McKoy gave to that office.

Guatemala and Belize address security concernsThe Belize-Guatemala Joint Commission met on Friday 10 October in Guatemala City, to discuss security concerns, including the recent incidents in the Caracol Archeological Reserve.
According to a press release from GOB, the commission reached 12 conclusions aimed at improving their effectiveness at combating illegal activities and transnational crime.
Each Belizean security agency had an opportunity to meet directly with their Guatemalan counterparts, and agreed on a way forward for direct collaboration in respect of all security concerns, including coordinated operations among security agencies to combat the illegal activities in Belize’s territory.

Lynden flowers stabbed to death in Ladyville21 year old Brandon Lynden Flowers of Ladyville, Belize District, was stabbed to death early Sunday morning following an apparent fight gone bad. Police Press Officer Raphael Martinez explains.
Raphael Martinez – Police Press Officer
“Police responded to a call regarding a fight in progress, and when they arrived at Stork Street just minutes to four in the morning, on Sunday the twelfth October, they saw twenty-one year old Lynden Flowers lying in the drain, suffering from apparent stab wounds to the chest.
He was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, and he later succumbed to his injuries while there, at about six-thirty in the morning.
Again, police I have personally visited the Officer Commanding Ladyville, and they have detained quite a few persons in connection to this stabbing incident, but the update so far, I have not been updated at this moment.”

Woman found shot to death in IndependenceA woman was found shot to death in Independence Village. According to police reports, the body of 33-year-old Lizette Aldana was found at about nine o’clock Tuesday morning on the Tex Mar Shrimp Farm Road in Independence.
Lizette Aldana’s body had multiple gunshot wounds.
The body has been transported to the Southern Regional Hospital where it awaits a postmortem examination.
Police are investigating.

Two men arrested for murder of Kevin TaylorThere was a murder in Unitedville on Friday October 10th.
Kevin Andrew Taylor Jr was stabbed twice; once to the heart and once to the back.
According to eye witnesses, Andrew Taylor and two other men were socializing outside a shop owned by Thomas Mendoza, when the three of them had a brief exchange of words. One of those men left and went to another group of guys in the neighboring yard. They called for Kevin to come over and witnesses said he went over running and soon after that he came back walking slowly saying he got stabbed in his heart. He fell between the two yards and people from the shop went over and took him to the hospital.
Inspector Reymundo Reyes told us about the police investigation into the matter.

Patrick Jones

PUP recommends greater attention for the Chiquibul National Park
Late this evening, the People’s United Party (PUP) held a press conference at Independence Hall to report on party leader Francis Fonseca’s Sunday tour of the Chiquibul Forest Reserve and Caracol Archaeological Reserve. According to PUP leader Francis Fonseca, the tour has underscored both the grave dangers faced […]

Security guard pleaded guilty to gang membership
A security guard for the largest hotel in Belize is in hot water tonight after pleading guilty to displaying signs of membership in a gang. 25 year old Vildo Spain who works for Ramada Princess Belize City Hotel, was found acting suspiciously by police on mobile patrol on […]

First-time offender gets light prison sentence on burglary charge
He could have faced as much as seven years in prison at minimum for attempted burglary. But Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith today handed down a comparatively lighter sentence to 28 year old John Baptist after convicting him of attempted burglary and going equipped for crime, his first offences. […]

PUP leader visits Chiquibul National Park
The leader of the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) Francis Fonseca, went on a visit to the Chiquibul National Park this past weekend. In the wake of that visit on Sunday, Fonseca today hosted a media briefing this afternoon at Independence Hall where he addressed several issues. Among […]

Potholes cause frustration for Orange Walk drivers
Motorists in Orange Walk town are facing huge potholes on their daily commute through the municipality. Work is currently being carried out to rehabilitate the portion of the Phillip Goldson Highway that passes through Orange Walk town; but still drivers are having to manoeuvre their vehicles through […]

Belize: National Holidays That Need Re-engineeringBelize celebrates Pan American Day on October 12 and Labor Day on May 1 each year….as national public and bank holidays.
These holidays seem to have lost their purpose in the psyche of the Belizean people….with the holiday having become just another day off from work….serving no social, cultural or economic purpose of value to the nation.
Holidays should bring our people closer together for a national constructive purpose….to promote unity. In keeping with the Pan American theme….we should construct a day that celebrates our diversity…in a healthy, competitive context….open opportunity for getting to know new people and different places….invite participation from bordering communities in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

Make Some Noise San PedroI caught Angel Nunez on Reef Radio and TV (ch 20 in San Pedro) talking about potential negative events going on around our island during low season. He was urging people to raise their voices and make some noise if they see something not right, be it a robbery, an abusive situation or someone that needs help.
I was very inspired by what he said and pleased with the fact that we did just that in the San Pablo area. Recently, one of the bikes from our yard was found by Robert, the house caretaker, in the vacant lot on the other side of our fence. Barb, my downstairs neighbor, saw some people across the canal looking in our direction. As she looked out her window, she did not feel the guys were casing us, it seemed more like they were looking at something and we feel they might have been watching someone on the other side of our fence. We also think our friend Christian going back and forth between both our apartments likely startled the person trying to steal the bike. They were home free with the bike over the fence and in the vacant lot but, for some reason, took off fast. Our version of making some noise was to tell our neighbors and double check who the guys across the water were with Amy who lives at that house. Nothing ever got solved here, but at least the people around us are aware to be extra observant right now.

Finn Kardashian Does Central America, Episode 4: Nicaragua!It’s about Nicaragua and how for now, I must show it to you through the eyes of our intrepid traveler, Finn. The backpacking Kardashian. Here is Episode 4 of his journey.
We last left him surrounded by lithe blond surfers in El Tunco, El Salvador. Here’s Finn.
We left El Tunco, El Salvador at 3am on a shuttle. Now there is 1 Austrian, 1 Belgian, 2 Germans, 1 American and 1 Kardashian and 1 Belizean on this shuttle. Straight from the night club, I learnt my lesson the hard way. But what a better way to shuttle it up with a Jager buzz?

The Good News Keeps Coming For BelizeEnhanced air service, increased tourism arrivals, better infrastructure and continual improvement add up sunny days and a rosy future.
A recent Travel Pulse feature article agrees with our earlier post this week that Belize is on an upward trajectory. The article. “Belize is Booming And Has The Numbers To Prove It” (October 14, 2014 ) cites the same BTB tourist arrival figures we quoted, as well as Caribbean Tourism Organization statistics to highlight their view that, yes, Belize is booming.
Who would have thought, just over 30 years ago when Belize achieved independence and had an economy dependent on agriculture that the little country would become one of the world’s premier travel destinations while remaining so strongly committed towards environmental sustainability and responsible travel?

International Sources

Activists use GPS to track illegal loggers in Brazil's Amazon rainforestHi-tech undercover operation used GPS tracking on timber trucks for the first time, as well as satellite and aerial images to reveal extent of illegal logging in Brazilian Amazon. Covert GPS surveillance of timber trucks by Amazon campaigners has revealed how loggers are defeating attempts to halt deforestation in the world’s greatest rainforest. Raids by law enforcement officers are expected early on Wednesday morning, acting on the evidence handed to them by Greenpeace Brazil.
The activists went undercover in the remote and dangerous state of Pará to secretly place GPS tracking devices on trucks suspected of illegal logging, the first time the tactic has been used. It revealed 200-mile-long journeys deep into protected regions of rainforest to collect logs and return journeys under the cover of night to sawmills in the Amazon port of Santarém, from where timber is exported to Europe, the US, China, and Japan. Satellite and aerial images were also collected and analysed during the hi-tech operation.

Our Mayan HeritageBelize was known to be occupied by the ancient Mayas as evidenced by the Mayan temples across the country and the RBCMA is no exception. Over 60 substantial Mayan sites have been located within the Rio Bravo Conservation Management Area (RCBMA)
The La Milpa site, located in western Rio Bravo, is the third largest site in Belize and its ceremonial center was expanded to its full extent as one of the major sites of the Maya Lowlands. This site gained international attention when it was featured in the National Geographic magazine – the burial of a King (a Royal Tomb) was discovered in front of the main temple, a unique discovery in Mayan archaeology excavation.
The University of Texas does archaeological surveys on all sites on the RBCMA. Through such work we expect to learn much more about ancient Mayan civilization.
Come take a walk through ancient Mayan Civilization by visiting the unexcavated ruins of La Milpa.

Corozal Sailing NewsPlease support this cause: - Sounds like and evening of fun for a special cause. You are cordially invited to join:
COROZAL BAY SAILING CLUB
For our Oktoberfest 2014
FUND RAISER
Saturday October 25, 2014
Noon to 5:00 PM At
The lovely home of
Gerard and Kyler Cordts
MENU
Bratwursts (with onions or sauerkraut)
None traditional Chicken Bratwursts too!
Potato salads (German or American style)
German Chocolate Cake
**Cost $20 per person**
Beer, sodas, wine, rums available
Sailing demos, sail boat rides
Chicken Drop ($2 a square)

Illegal Fisheries: Green Cards for Five Countries, Red Card for Sri LankaIn its fight against illegal fishing activities worldwide, the European Commission has proposed to ban imports of fisheries products from Sri Lanka to tackle the commercial benefits stemming from illegal fishing.
The move comes after four years of intense dialogue with the country after which it could not demonstrate that it sufficiently addressed illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
In contrast, the Commission confirmed that Belize, Fiji, Panama, Togo and Vanuatu, which had received warnings at the same time as Sri Lanka, have successfully taken measures to tackle illegal fishing. Consequently, the Commission proposes to lift the trade measures imposed in March this year against Belize.
European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, said: "Our policy of resolute cooperation is yielding results. Five countries receive today our appreciation for getting serious on illegal fishing. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for Sri Lanka. I hope that the message we are sending today will be a wake-up call for this country."

Where to see big cats in the wildThere is no creature more thrilling to see in the wild than a big cat. Richard Madden speaks to five leading wildlife experts to find out what makes the lion, tiger, cheetah, leopard and jaguar so compelling to watch – and where best to see them. Jaguars
By Alan Rabinowitz, head of Panthera, which campaigns for endangered big cats. He set up a jaguar sanctuary in Belize.
The jaguar is the ‘Tiger of the Americas’ and the third-largest of the big cats. Even though it’s a fearsome killing machine, I call the jaguar the ‘reluctant warrior’ of the cat family because it’s the least aggressive. Lions, tigers and leopards have been responsible for thousands of human deaths, but jaguars never attack humans. In some communities in South America people live alongside 500lb jaguars; no one is frightened of them.
They can survive in numerous different habitats from the Sonoran Desert in Mexico to the pampas of northern Argentina, but they thrive best in wet jungle and rainforest and have an affinity for water. The Pantanal in Brazil during the latter half of the dry season (August to October) is the one place where you are almost guaranteed a sighting. The fishermen on the Cuiabá River don’t hunt them and when you are watching them from a boat, they don’t run away. Then, at night, you can follow them with a spotlight and even see them hunting. And that’s an incredible sight.
Where to stay: Pousada do Rio Mutum, an eco-lodge, or the simpler Porto Jofre, where guests almost always see jaguar.

Common Fisheries Policy for Caribbean approved as final policyThe Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), comprised of Ministers responsible for Agriculture from across the Caribbean Community, has confirmed the Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy as a final policy document for the Community.
The Caribbean Community Common Fisheries Policy (CCCFP) is aimed at fostering greater harmonisation across the Caribbean in the sustainable management and development of the region’s fisheries and aquaculture resources, with special emphasis on promoting the most efficient use of shared resources while aiming to improve food security and reduce poverty in the region.
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has said that CARICOM policies, once authorized by COTED, are binding on the countries. At its meeting held in Suriname last Friday, 10 October 2014, COTED gave its stamp of approval to the CCCFP and said that the newly authorized policy should be applied by Member States as far as possible. The formal signing of the CCCFP by member countries is expected to commence in the months ahead.

Videos

Video: Belize's Tony Wright: Let's Tek Back We Septemba!, 38min.Belizean artist turned activist, Tony Wright has been resisting the musical and cultural invasion of Belizean music and culture since the early 1990's as a musical artist and talk show host on the popular KREM Radio in Belize City. Since the late 1980's, Belize began seeing a musical and cultural invasion from foreign artists both from the Caribbean and United States where its traditional musical art forms like Bruckdon and Punta Rock were beginning to be displaced by Caribbean musical art forms like reggae and Soca. With these art forms becoming prominent and accepted by the Belizean status quo first and then by the general Belizean population, Belizean traditional culture began also to be displaced by other Caribbean cultures like Carnival and Jamaican Gangster Rap. The infusion has taken a toll on Belizean social life in a negative way, robbing Belizean musical and cultural artists of income that they would have necessarily be able to acquire from national festivities and from the country's tourism. Since then, Wright has been the only artist that has been consistent in resisting musical and cultural assimilation and protecting the rights of the Belizean artist in Belize for equal rights and justice in Belize's musical and cultural market. In this exclusive behind the scene Part 1 of Belizean Legends feature, Wright discusses the issue in-depth with host Bilal Morris in September of 2012.